SCHOOLS in Powys will be taking a “cautious approach” to welcoming pupils and staff back next week in light of escalating coronavirus cases.

Powys is among three counties in Wales that are recording their highest rates of new cases of Covid-19 since comparable records began, as the third wave of coronavirus continues to pick up pace across the country.

New data shows that three areas of Wales are currently at a record high. Pembrokeshire has a case rate of 407.1 per 100,000 residents, while Powys is at 292.4 and Ceredigion 286.7. Wales as a whole is currently recording 354.8 cases per 100,000 people – the highest rate since January 11.

Parts of Wales, Scotland and south-west England are all experiencing case rates higher than at any point since mass testing was first introduced last summer.

The figures come amid warnings of a further increase in the spread of the virus in coming weeks, with pupils either back at school or soon to return, a bank holiday weekend about to begin and a busy calendar of sport and music events likely to attract large crowds.

Pupils across Powys are due to return to school next Thursday, September 2, and while school opening and closing times will operate as normal and breakfast and after school clubs will be allowed, the local authority says it will be taking precautions.

“You will be aware that Wales is now at alert level zero which means that many things have returned to normal,” said Powys County Council’s cabinet member for education, Phyl Davies, in a letter sent out to parents from the council.

“However, Covid is still around, and we have seen a rise in cases over the summer period particularly in the age range of 10-19.

“We will therefore be taking a cautious approach in our return to school as we transition to a more normal school day by, we hope, September 20. However, there are some immediate changes to our guidance for Thursday, September 2.”

These changes are: No staggered start and end to the school day. School opening and closing times will operate as normal; uniform will be expected to be worn in line with school policy; breakfast clubs and after school clubs will be operating.

“Other than these changes, measures in schools will remain in place and will be reduced cautiously in line with the risk assessment for each school,” added Councillor Davies.

“This means that for the first few weeks, the return to school will look much the same as before the holiday, with the use of face coverings and limited contact groups. We will then look to reduce these measures over the first few weeks in line with the new national framework for schools which will be expected to be in place in all schools by September 20.

“We also strongly encourage all staff and all pupils from year 7 upwards to take LFD tests twice a week on a Sunday and Wednesday. These tests are available at libraries and pharmacies throughout Powys.

“It is also an expectation that there are good hygiene regimes such as handwashing regularly throughout the day for all staff and pupils both at home and at school. This will help prevent the spread of the virus.

“We thank you for your co-operation to date and hope that by taking this cautious approach, children and young people can remain in school throughout the autumn term and things can be back to normal in our schools as soon as possible.”